Going Forward                                     

Speaking at the UK, JAPAN and AFRICA Business and Trade Links Event, organised by okra eXpress in October 2008, The Rt Hon. Malcolm Bruce, MP, Chair of the House of Commons, International Development Select Committee, a member of parliament in the UK who has held high profile spokesmanships on Trade and Industry, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Treasury, said in his opening Remarks at the event, “Investments that come from outside Africa need to be done in a way that genuinely provide a return on investment but also provide a share for those who are involved and especially for local people who are engaged in it. So of course for that to happen, you have to have real meaningful trade opportunities that allow developing countries to build their home markets but also to ensure that they have access to developed countries”.  

Looking Ahead >>>> Africa is open for business despite the financial crunch brewing in the background.

This exciting, and relevant event will also capture the essence of business and development opportunities in major industries in Africa. It will give investors the chance to gain a better insight as to the growing business and investment opportunities available in Africa.

Business practitioners from leading companies will form part of the audience to stimulate discussions around business investments in some of the African states. Ambassadors in Brussels will attend to showcase their investment opportunities. 

This event will be entirely driven by a greater focus on promoting foreign direct investment flows in the major industries in Africa. 

       Food for thought 

{Economic slowdown affecting today's global environment does not equate to a slowdown on the pace of inflating investment opportunities. The challenge is only a puncture. The wheels are not off yet. Foreign direct investment to better enhance economic development for these countries to flourish is the answer to war. So therefore, positive, robust and concerted efforts are needed to translate our challenges into opportunities to address the swiftly-changing market conditions. This includes adapting policies to diversify and enlarge foreign direct investment with your neighbours and the rest of the world to better enhance integration and economic growth. {Surely the time for just debating has passed - now embark on trade deals}.